It is not possible to state what is “the best place to fly fish in the UK” because each angler is different and having different wants, desires and needs to be fulfilled what one angler considers to be the best place another angler may completely dismiss.
Some anglers like the solitary life away from the hustle and bustle of commercial fisheries and prefer wading through shallow streams, brooks and rivers in search of wild trout. These small and quiet waters often meander through the countryside where there are some amazing views on offer, as well as an abundance of wildlife including birds, small mammals and insect. This type of fly fishing is truly getting back to nature and suits those anglers that like the quieter side of life. Compared to fish found in larger waters and commercial fisheries, the fish in these shallow rivers and brooks are small, with many not even big enough to eat. However, the fish in this sort of habitat provides a challenge and it is very rewarding one when one of these wild fish is hooked, not least for the immense struggle for freedom they often provide. This type of angling is likely to lead to fewer fish caught than in larger waters and commercial fisheries, therefore it is not an ideal place for youngsters or beginners to learn to fly fish. Similarly, these types of water are not suited to those anglers who are looking to break any UK trout records.
There are many streams, brooks and rivers ideally suited for the anglers that fit in the above category all over the UK. A personal favourite area is Devon where the Middle and Upper Exe river, situated in the Exmoor National Park offers amazing surroundings and some great fishing to boot. Other popular rivers in this region include the River Torridge, made famous by the film “Tarka the Otter”, and the River Bray. Whilst the fish aren’t huge they certainly fight well, especially on light tackle, and offer a challenge that is ideally suited to the more experienced fly angler.
Other anglers prefer fly fishing in larger waters with the hope of catching large game fish, and with some of these lakes being hundreds of acres in size there is a large expanse of water to explore. Like the small rivers these lakes are often found in the middle of the countryside and there are often some fantastic views to be had, such as tree lined mountains, rolling hills and hectares of grass land. Popular ways of fishing these waters are floating dry flies or casting out nymphs from a boat or even trolling small flies from the back of the boat.
There are many large lakes and reservoirs around the UK that will suit the anglers described above. A personal favourite area is Devon where the Kennick, Roadford and Fernworthy offers some exciting sport and the possibility of some large game fish.
Another breed of angler is those who just want to catch game fish, and these anglers are likely to frequent commercial fisheries where there are usually small lakes and ponds that are stocked to the brim with game fish. Since the game fish are in a confined space they are easy to locate, and since there are so many game fish in a small area they are all fighting for any food items that come along. Because of this, it is often easy to catch game fish from these waters and the fly fisherman doesn’t need any skill to do so. It is often a case of dropping the fly in the water and the game fish will find it, rather than the angler finding the game fish and then skilfully dropping the fly on its nose. These commercial fisheries are ideal for youngsters and beginners who are looking at honing their fly fishing skills before moving on to the trickier lakes and rivers.
There are many commercial fly fisheries all over the UK that are likely to suit the anglers described above. A personal favourite area is Devon where Millbrook and Bellbrook offers a great chance to catch some game fish. Whilst there is never a dead cert in fishing these waters offer the closest to it, and consequently are ideal for beginners and young anglers.
In the UK there is a fly fishing water to suit every taste and fulfil the desires of every fly angler, however it is important to select the right part of the UK to begin with. For example, East Anglia is not renowned for rivers and streams containing wild trout, although there are a few dotted about many of which the banks are privately owned and only open to syndicate members, therefore the options are limited. In addition, there are few lakes so the only real option for the fly angler is to fish a commercial fishery. Other parts of the UK, such as Devon and Cornwall gives the fly angler the chance to fish small streams and rivers, fish large lakes or fish commercial fisheries so it is open to all types of fly anglers.
Because of the nature of the waterways in the UK, it is advisable to do some research on the different regions before booking any fishing holiday in the UK. The internet is an excellent tool for this and there are many UK websites dedicated to each region that fully describes the type of fishing available in the area as well as providing advice and tips on the best method, the best flies to use and the best techniques to hopefully improve the chances of catching some game fish.
Written by yackers1
ACCA qualified accountant who thirives in the world of business and finance
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